Upson Welcomes Dr. John Jenkins

(Thomaston, GA) -- One of the most sought after residents from one of the nation’s most desirable residency programs has chosen Thomaston as the place to open his practice and raise his family.

A Waynesboro, Georgia, native, John Jenkins, MD, licensed in Family Medicine, has joined Upson Family Physicians, an affiliate of Upson Regional Medical Center.  

Most recently, Jenkins served as Chief Resident at Self Regional Healthcare, in Greenwood, South Carolina.  Self is a 421-bed hospital and home to one of the top ranked residency programs in the nation.

In addition to the designation of Chief Resident, Jenkins received awards that speak volumes about his skill and manner.  The South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians selected Jenkins as “Outstanding Resident of the Year” and the nurses recognized him for compassion.  The Montgomery Center for Family Medicine Nurses presented Jenkins with a special award for being “the resident who demonstrates great flexibility and willingness to assist nursing personnel and peers, placing patient needs over his own."

As a family medicine physician, Dr. Jenkins has experience in pediatric, women’s, adult and geriatric medicine.  “One of the benefits of family medicine is continuity of care,” he said.  “We can address the needs of an entire family over time rather than just one person.” 

Upson CEO David Castleberry said the board, employees and physicians are most pleased to welcome Dr. Jenkins to town. “It is a compliment to the quality of service and care Upson provides to attract the talent, skill and compassion of Dr. Jenkins.”

Jenkins’ decision to choose Upson is significant because only one of four medical college graduates expresses a desire to work in a rural area, and fewer and fewer medical students are choosing family medicine.

The high caliber of Thomaston’s medical community was a positive factor in Jenkins’ decision to choose Thomaston.  “I hope to supplement the physician and medical base that is here, and help others, one patient at a time…that’s the greatest reward of being a physician.”

Prior to completing his residency at Self, Dr. Jenkins earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia.  He completed his undergraduate work at  Augusta State University, where he served as a student ambassador, was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honors society, and graduated in the top of his class as Magna Cum Laude. 

He and his wife, Angela, are living in Thomaston. They have an almost two-year-old daughter, Darcie, and are expecting a son in September.

Jenkins said he and his family were looking for a fit for his practice and his family.. “Everything we were looking for is nestled right here,” said Jenkins.  “We really fell in love with the community and the people of Thomaston.”